Thatcher
Chameleon Enthusiast
I definitely won't, he's the best dad I could ever imagine!Maybe he like beardies, or sees that you're really serious about this—rather than new hobby/interest of the week.Don't forget him next B-day or F-day.
Bioactive bearded dragon enclosure!!!!
- Thread starter Thatcher
- Start date
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
That's so cool/great. I lost mine before I ever knew him, but that's ancient history.
Thatcher
Chameleon Enthusiast
Aw that sucks, I never met my grandpa but he was supposedly a really bad person
Thatcher
Chameleon Enthusiast
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
I would go with a T5 with either a 10.0 or Arcadia 12 or 14%.
Thatcher
Chameleon Enthusiast
ok thanks ill update this thread when i get the base enclosure pictured above
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
IDT you'll need to.
Beardies need part of their enclosure with NO UVB at all so they have places (other than hides) where they can get away from it if they want to.
When setting up a beardie enclosure, the UVB should go to one side as shown above—NOT in the middle as you might with a chameleon.
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
If you already have a T8 bulb to use up, sure, but the distance will be less than with a T5.
Otherwise, I'd use an available T5 or buy another one for this cabinet mod.
I'd wait until you're further along to buy one to make sure everything works out. I expect it will, but in life stuff happens.
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
Like chameleons, Beardies don't need a substrate, though she'll need some kind of lay bin. This is another area I'd ask about on the beardie forum. It's either full bioactive or none (with lay bin). Bioactive is fine, but more waterproofing will be required on an enclosure that may have particleboard underneath the veneer, and particleboard + water = swollen disintegrated mush.
In the table below, GREEN is good; RED is... not so good. Boiling it down, the 2 best choices are tile and linoleum.
Top 11 Questions to Assess the Best Substrate for Bearded Dragons
Take the guesswork out of which substrate is best. Here are 11 essential questions to assess the best substrate for your bearded dragon:
Source: https://beardeddragonsworld.com/best-substrate-for-bearded-dragons/
My enclosure uses LARGE (12" x 24") slate tiles—no grout (they're actually ceramic tile with a rough slate texture) that helps keep his nails ground down, is VERY easy to clean, and after 2 years+ there is no smell whatsoever. This might score some points with your mom.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Corso-I...-Tile-15-50-sq-ft-Case-610010002399/308736405
I can't find a pic of mine ATM, but I can take one tomorrow if you'd like (it's late here).
Here are some others that show that attractive enclosures can be done with tile substrates.
https://www.google.com/search?q=rep...HSe-AHEQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1024&bih=625&dpr=1
A good compromise might be 1/2 tile and half (something like) Excavator Clay, especially if the tile portion is raised a few inches so both are at the same level.
IDT reptile carpet is a good idea. It's harder to clean poop out of and disinfect/deodorize, and it can promote molds, fungus, and other nasties.
If something like this might appeal to you, we can figure out tile sizes & numbers. Need exact measurements of the inside bottom of the cabinet.
I'm not the person to ask about bioactive, so again, ask on the beardie forum. Some do it/have done it—others not.
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
That is part of a substrate. You’ll also need to add some sand (same as used for lay bins), organic soil, a bit of orchid bark, horticultural charcoa and a touch of sphagnum moss. Or you could follow the classic ABG mix recipe. https://terrariumtribe.com/abg-mix-recipe/
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
Up to you... I used this kind of vent:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-...r-Soffit-Vent-in-White-4-Pack-RLSC3/100038053
I also used a light gray slate tile. Reflects light better, easier to see soiled areas.
Here's some pics, but you do what you like:
Thatcher
Chameleon Enthusiast
That looks awesome! What is that basking platform?
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
THX. I bought a bunch of these sheets and removed the (real) slate tiles from the backing.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Jeffrey...-Mosaic-Tile-0-938-sq-ft-Each-99124/202273545
They're just sitting on the bricks to cover the holes in the bricks and protect him a litle from sharp edges.
These tiles are really expensive, as is the backsplash. Linoleum or vinyl tile is thinner, but far less expensive.
https://www.homedepot.com/s/vinyl%20slate%20tiles?NCNI-5
You also may not need 12" x 24" tiles for the floor of your cabinet; that's why I asked about the inside floor dimensions. The idea is to use as large tiles as will fit with the least amount of cutting/trimming. Cutting tile is a royal PITA.
This gives you the minimum of seams between tiles that liquids may run down. Under my floor tiles are a couple of layers of vinyl shelf liner, with duct-taped seams and running an inch or so up the walls so moisture doesn't leak through. All the wood is still sealed; I just over-design & over-build a lot.
